Damian has welcomed the latest figures published this week by the Office of National Statistics that shows the rate of unemployment is now at its lowest level since 1975 - at 4.5% - with full time employment also at a record high of 23.53 million.
Damian said:
“The economy continues to offer strong employment opportunities, with the number of people out of work at its lowest level for over 40 years. The growth in full time employment is also at a record high, as is the number of women now in the workforce.
“There is still more to do, and we continue the rollout of Universal Credit to make sure that it always pays to be in work. The Prime Minister’s pledge to act to ensure the interests of employees on traditional contracts, the self-employed and those working in the ‘gig’ economy are all properly protected, demonstrates this government’s determination to also improve the conditions of employment for millions of people.”
The number of claimants in East Hampshire remain largely unchanged